Match Report - Watford Reserves v Tottenham reserves - 18 Feb 2004

FA Premier Reserve League South

Darren Anderton completed an hour on his return as our reserves drew 1-1 against Watford at Vicarage Road.

The midfielder safely came through his first action in almost a month and struck the woodwork in the first half.

Jamie Redknapp added an 80-minute stint in his third comeback match and scored from the penalty spot.

That goal, after 57 minutes, looked like it might be enough for victory with Watford rarely threatening but the home side levelled via an indirect free-kick in the area after Rob Burch was penalised for picking up a back pass.

The experienced trio of Anderton, Redknapp and Christian Ziege were involved in the best moments of the first half.

Ziege's fine crossfield pass picked out Anderton on the right corner of the box after just five minutes and his first-time strike cannoned back off the post.

Lee Barnard's strength set up a shooting chance that Ziege sliced wide and Rohan Ricketts was just off target after working a yard of space in the left channel of the area.

Ziege combined with Redknapp for what would have been a stunning goal just before the break - the German full-back picked out Redknapp from a corner but his full volley from 18 yards whistled wide.

Bruce Dyer had the home side's best chance in injury time but could only header tamely at Burch from close range.

Ziege was replaced by Marcel McKie at half-time - a pre-planned substitution - and it wasn't long before we went ahead.

Mbulelo Mabizela set up the goal with a driving run from the right touchline, playing a one-two with Ricketts before being sent flying by Hornets keeper Richard Lee - Redknapp crashed the penalty into the top corner, 57 minutes, 1-0.

Watford were kept at distance by the likes of Kelly and Bunjevcevic but plugged away with Swonnell's volley dipping just over and Cook's free-kick comfortable for Burch.

But they grabbed an equaliser with 75 minutes on the clock. Burch picked up a back pass in the box, Norville's initial shot from all of 10 yards was blocked on the line only for Dominic Blizzard to crash home the loose ball.

KEY MOMENTS

57mins: PENALTY/GOAL. Mabizela driving run from right flank, played one-two with Ricketts, upended by Lee in Watford goal. Redknapp cracked home penalty. 1-0.

75mins: GOAL. Free-kick against Burch in area for picking up 'back pass'. Norville initial shot from 10 yards blocked on line by Hughes but Blizzard rammed in rebound. 1-1.